Efforts continue to capture crocodiles at Palmer Point and Johnstone River

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) wildlife officers are continuing to search for the crocodile believed to have taken a man south of Cairns over the weekend.

Environment Minister Mr Steven Miles said wildlife officers had been authorized by EHP to use lethal force if necessary for the crocodile, believed to be 4 metres in size.

Minister Miles expressed his condolences to the loved ones of Mr Warren Hughes, who was spearfishing near Palmer Point when he was believed to have been attacked.

“I want to express my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Hughes,” Mr Miles said.

“My thoughts are also with those in the broader Cairns community who are grieving Mr Hughes' loss.”

EHP Manager Northern Wildlife Operations Dr Matt Brien said wildlife officers had located the target animal at the mouth of the Russell River during a vessel-based patrol of the area overnight.

“An attempt to remove it was unsuccessful and wildlife officers followed the crocodile for approximately two hours before it submerged,” Dr Brien said.

“It is not unusual for removal efforts to take time but we are confident that this particular animal will not evade capture for long, based on its movements and behaviour,” Dr Brien said.

He said they would today deploy two traps in the area—one gate trap and one floating trap, with a further vessel-based patrol planned for tonight.

A trap was also set in the Johnstone River on Sunday night, after a crocodile grasped a man by the arm as soon as he entered the river in the early hours of Sunday morning, however no animal was found inside the trap when wildlife officers checked it this morning.

Mr Miles said crocodile management needed to be informed by science.

“This is why we must have a responsible crocodile management strategy for Queensland, and Labor’s program is based on thorough, evidence-based research that puts public safety first.

“Our Government has bolstered the crocodile management program, made staff in Central and North Queensland permanent where they were only temporary under the LNP, invested an additional $5.8 million, and funded a multi-year population study to make sure our management approach continues to be informed by latest science.

“Our approach in Cairns has seen more dangerous crocodiles removed than in any other year. And our comprehensive management plan makes it easier for the public to know exactly how crocs will be handled, no matter where they are in croc country.” 

Mr Miles said there was no evidence that any alternative crocodile management options, including culling, would have prevented either of the weekend’s incidents from occurring.

“Sporadically culling would only lull people into believing an area is safer than it really is, and that will only increase the likelihood of another tragedy,” he said.

“Because the truth is there will always be crocodiles in croc country, and the best way to ensure your safety is to obey warning signs, keep pets out of the water and never swim in known crocodile habitat.

“We will continue to work closely with local governments on this issue and will host another CrocWise roundtable in Cairns on March 30.”

Members of the public are asked not go near the traps for their own safety, and because noise and activity may deter the crocodile from entering.

Crocodile sightings should be reported to EHP as soon as possible on 1300 130 372 and the department investigates all crocodile reports it receives. 

ENDS

Media: Katharine Wright 0422 580 342